Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Moist and flavorful carrot cake cupcakes topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts if using.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  10. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy.
  11. Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost with cream cheese frosting and garnish with additional chopped nuts if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure the carrots are finely grated for a smoother texture.
  • You can substitute applesauce with more oil for a richer cupcake.
  • Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg